timing chain,belt or gears?

[Dave]

The previous owner told me the engine
had a timing gear set.. but by looking at the front
of the engine, it would appear it would have a timing
belt or chain.. id hope a timing chain.

also the belt/chain or gear that powers the injector pump id like to check all of these soon.

anyone have any information on this, i have never
been into this part of the engine *yet*
and would like to do a checkup on this in the spring.
and if reguired change it to a new one.

it would give me an added faith to the engine life
if this was changed out for road trips.
i understand that these engines kill themselvs
if the timing chain, belt fails.
something i really can't afford at this time is a engine re-build.

a vital part to check on any vehical.

for the time being, im looking over the suspension
parts, ball joints, tie rod ends.
this area is starting to get rather weak.

[metromustang]

The cam and the pump are both gear driven off the front of the crankshaft. The cam turns the same direction as crank and the fuel pump turns the opposite direction.

There is no need for periodic inspection. There are only end play and backlash inspection that you should do incidental to a rebuild (i.e. "as long as you have it apart").

Chris